Below we offer a list of suggested driving routes that you might wish to explore during your time in County Tipperary. We hope they help you to discover and explore the landscape, heritage and beauty of the area.

Slievenamon Drive (approx. 53 km)

Slievenamon (Sliabh na mBan - mountain of the women) is one of the most famous mountains in Ireland. It appears in song and story going back to pre-Christian Ireland. The mountain (721m) can be climbed from above Kilcash village and the return walk will take from three to four pleasant hours.

We begin our drive in the town of Clonmel and head out along the N24 turning onto the N76 towards Kilkenny at the Kilheffernan Roundabout on the outskirts of town. This road turns left towards the mountain and Kilcash village. Kilcash is known due to the great 18th century lament poem, which mourns the loss of the Gaelic Irish culture and also the destruction of the great oak woods of the area. In "Old Kilcash" can be seen the ruins of the Butler Castle and and Medieval Church, all central to the story of the famous poem.

From Kilcash we travel along the N76 through Grangemockler and Ninemilehouse. The "Grand Inn" in Ninemilehouse was an Inn situated along one of the routes of the Bianconi coaches of the eighteen hundreds. From Kilcash we travel along the R690 towards Mullinahone, a town associated with Charles J. Kickham, writer and nationalist leader of the late 19th century and author of the famous "Slievenamon".

Travel along the R692 through the village of Cloneen, possibly making a detour to visit the historic town of Fethard where you can view the Medieval walls surrounding the town. The old parish church (circa 1200) and the Augustinian Abbey (circa 1300) are still in use today. From Cloneen the route skirts the west of the mountain, following the course of the river Anner which eventually joins the Suir near Clonmel.

Bianconi Drive (approx 104 km)

This driving tour follows one of the first routes Charles Bianconi established when his "banns" started travelling the roads of Ireland. Once again we start in Clonmel and take the N24 westbound towards Cahir.

Cahir is situated on the river Suir at the eastern end of the Galtee Mountains. While in Cahir you can visit Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage, once owned by the Butler family and now in the hands of the OPW. The Swiss Cottage is a delightful "cottage orné" built in the early 1800s by the 1st Earl of Glengall.

From Cahir we continue along the N24 towards Tipperary town, passing through Bansha village, the gateway to the Glen of Aherlow. There are a wealth of walking trails along with fishing and horse riding, picnic areas and viewing points in this area.

On the N24 continue to Tipperary town which is situated in the heart of the Golden Vale. You can visit the Tipperary Excel Centre which has 2 cinemas, a modern theatre, an art gallery space, gift and craft shop and Genealogy office.

From Tipperary we travel along the N74 towards Cashel, passing through Golden where the remains of a Tower House and an ancient stone bridge dominate the village. Close to the village are the ruins of Athassel Abbey, once the largest medieval Priory in Ireland.

On the outskirts of Cashel we turn onto the R660 towards Ardmayle where you can vist St. John the Baptist Church, an old medieval building restored in the 1980's. It has an old square tower which dates to the 13th century. Longfield House is also situated in Ardmayle, once the home of Charles Bianconi, now a private residence.

Onwards to Boherlahan, which translates from Irish as the "wide road". In the village is the Bianconi Mortuary Chapel of St. Catherine which was built by Charles Bianconi as a burial place for his family.

From Boherlahan we move towards Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster. The Rock of Cashel dominates the landscape rising majestically above the town, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone. Guided tours are available throughout the year. While in Cashel why not pay a visit to the Brú Ború Cultural Centre where traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance are brought alive during the summer months. Cashel Heritage Centre provides the visitor with a series of changing exhibitions including the treasures of the town dating back to 1640. The Bolton Library houses an impressive collection of antiquarian and rare books with manuscripts dating from the 12th century. Cashel Folk Village is a picturesque collection of thatched museums with a fascinating range of memorabilia of Irish history, culture and way of life.

From Cashel we make our way along the R688 towards Rosegreen, home of the famous Ballydoyle racing stables which over the years have produced national hunt and flat racing international winners. From Rosegreen we continue back along the R688 to Clonmel once again.

Glen of Aherlow Drive (approx. 65 km)

Bansha, situated on the N24 between Cahir and Tipperary town, is the gateway to the Glen of Aherlow. The area is rich in heritage and historical landmarks. Sir William Butler, founder of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is buried in nearby Killaldriffe Cemetery.

We travel from Bansha to Rossadrehid via St. Peacaun's Well Toureen. St. Peacaun was a 6th century Irish saint who as a hermit stood daily with outstretched arms against a stone cross while chanting. The pattern of St. Peacaun takes place annually on 1st August. Rossadrehid is a picturesque village and has an amenity area with picnic facilities, stream and a wonderful walk to Lake Muskry which is 520 m above sea level. From here we move towards Anglesboro situated at the most westerly point of the Galtee mountains. This peaceful village sits snugly beneath Temple Hill, one of the peaks of the Galtee's.

Galbally, a previous National Winner of Tidy Town's competition, has a square which contains a War of Independence (1920-21) memorial. From the village you can walk to Darby's Bed, an ancient site and burial ground. The remains of Moor Abbey, built in 1470, are nearby. Lisvernane is tucked away under the Galtees and situated in the heart of the Glen of Aherlow. It offers spectacular views of the Galtee mountain range

The Glen of Aherlow Nature Park consists of a range of walking trails with information panels detailing natural woodland, species of trees and plants. You can stop at the Statute of Christ the King Viewing Point and marvel at the breathtaking views of the area.

We begin in Dungarvan harbour town in Co. Waterford and take the R672 to Ballymacarbry village. In the village you can take a right turn which will take you through the walker’s wonderland that is the Nire Valley. Continuing east to the R678 and R676 crossroads, there are two options – turning north to Carrick on Suir before taking the N24 back to Waterford, or turning south (via R676) towards Mahon Falls, a 240-foot waterfall tumbling spectacularly off the glaciated range, towards Lemybrien (via N25),

Spare a thought for William Crotty, a notorious highwayman hanged in 1742. Crotty robbed coaches travelling along what is today’s N25, and his treasure is still said to be stashed amongst the corrie lakes in the Comeragh Mountains.

The Vee Valley Drive (approx. 178 km)

The Vee Drive Tour is one stunning vista after another as this leisurely loop unfolds. Setting off on the N25 from Waterford, this driving loop ducks between the Comeragh Mountains and Copper Coast following the N72 to its first stop, the dazzling heritage town of Lismore.Lismore’s showpiece is its castle founded in 1185 and today belonging to the Duke of Devonshire. Leaving Lismore, follow the R668 as it twists and turns through the Knockmealdown Mountains culminating in breath-taking fashion at the Vee, a hairpin bend overlooking the Golden Vale. Journey from Cahir back to Waterford via the N24 stopping at the heritage gems of Cahir Castle, the Main Guard in Clonmel and Ormond Castle in Carrick on Suir - all sites of the Butler Trail.

The Vee Drive also features two spurs, which you can use as detours if time permits. The first zips down to Ardmore, where a round tower, cathedral and hermitage captivate visitors to this day. The second spur detours, via St. Declan’s Way. Ireland’s answer to the Camino is an ancient pilgrim path some 94km in length!

BE SAFE ON THE ROADS

Always remember to bring your full valid driving licence when touring by car. All drivers are obliged to carry their driving licence at all times while driving. The speed limit is 100 km/h on national roads, 80 km/h on regional/local roads and 50 km/h in towns and villages. Always drive on the left and ensure all passengers wear their seatbelts in front and rear seats.